Ashes: James Pattinson heading home injured

Australia paceman James Pattinson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series with a back injury.

Last Updated: 23/07/13 11:09am

James Pattinson: Suffered stress fracture in lower back

Cricket Australia have confirmed Pattinson has suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, and that he will be sent home for treatment next week.

Pattinson complained of soreness in his back during the second Test at Lord's, and scans have revealed the extent of the damage was far worse than originally anticipated.

In a statement on the CA website, Cricket Australia Team Doctor Peter Brukner said: "James Pattinson reported some hip and back soreness on the final day of the second Ashes Test.

"We had some scans done in London that have identified an early stage low back stress fracture.

"Unfortunately he will not take any further part in this Test series and will commence a rehabilitation program with the aim to have him back for the Australian summer."

Pattinson took four wickets in the opening defeat at Trent Bridge, but he managed only one in each innings at Lord's as England went 2-0 up in the series with a crushing 347-run victory.

No replacement has been called up ahead of this week's warm-up game at Sussex, with either Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and the in-form Chadd Sayers likely to be promoted from the Australia A squad currently in South Africa.

Mitchell Starc could be in line for a recall for the third Test next week after being dropped at Lord's, while James Faulkner and Jackson Bird are the other options to be added to the attack alongside Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris.

Team performance general manager Pat Howard added: "While we are obviously disappointed for James, the selectors have five bowlers fit and ready perform in England, providing them with many options.

"It is also important to note that several players have been performing for Australia A and are available to be called up at any stage if the NSP required them.

"We've been well planned to have as many bowlers fit and available in the lead-up to this important series and while this set-back for James is disappointing, we are confident we have good fast bowling depth."